Balch Paper Image (IMAGE) Scripps Research Institute Caption This schematic shows the transition from a healthy protein folding state (green) to an unhealthy, maladaptive state (red) -- a maladaptive stress response -- that occurs in response to chronic inherited disease or sustained exposure to environmental toxins, for example cigarette smoke. Therapeutics or a change in the environment could help restore more normal heat-shock-response pathways and protein folding health. Credit Image courtesy of the Balch lab, The Scripps Research Institute. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.